Ex-teacher gets prison for sex abuse of girl

A former Johns­town schoolteacher was sentenced Wednesday by Judge David Tulowitzki to 71⁄2 to 15 years in state prison for sexually abusing a young girl who was not one of his students but was a youngster he knew.

Although 36-year-old Jason Loboi expressed remorse for his actions, the victim’s family called him a “master deceiver” who is a “Jerry Sandusky-type child predator.”

At the request of the family, the judge also said that Loboi “will not be permitted within the confines of Cambria County when released from state prison and while on parole.”

Loboi will not be eligible for early release before the 71⁄2-year minimum term, the judge said.

As a Megan’s law offender, Loboi, who formerly lived in Geistown, will be required to register his address with the state police for the rest of his life when he’s released from prison, the judge said.

He was a Greater Johnstown Middle Schoolteacher until the time of his arrest in May 2011. The abuse began when the girl was about 6 years old, it was brought out.

Defense attorney Robert Davis Gleason said the abuse resulted from a combination of his client’s alcohol abuse and psychological problems.

Loboi, turning to the victim’s family, said several times, “I’m sorry” and “I accept responsibility for what I’ve done.”

The victim’s mother said that Loboi appeared to be a spiritual person and a successful person to most people. But, she said, “when the doors closed and the lights were out, he was a master deceiver, a pedophile” who violated the trust of the young girl and her family.

“Her wounds will be forever eternal,” the mother said. “She will always carry this with her, and so will I.”

The mother said to Loboi, “You now will get to live in a cage like the criminal you are.”

The victim’s father, who thought Loboi had been a good friend, said that the defendant “preyed on the innocence of my little girl.”

Looking at Loboi, the father said, “I hope you burn in hell.”

Assistant District Attorney Beth Penna praised the girl for having the courage to tell her mother what had been done to her,

Tulowitzki ordered Loboi to pay $1,000 in a fine and administrative fees, plus $1,200 restitution for the costs of providing counseling for the girl. Loboi will continue to be responsible for paying the counseling costs for as long as the child needs the sessions, the judge said.

This article was written bySandra K Reabuckand originally published on tribune-democrat